Vipavski Kriz is one of the most interesting historical places in the southern Primorska region. In the 13th century it was mentioned for the first time as the Villa Crucis. At the end of the 15th century the count of Gorizia had a castle built there; the building with four towers was surrounded by walls which offered protection against the Turks and Venetians. From 1637 there has been a Capuchin monastery at Vipavski Kriz; it has a rich library, open to visitors.